Live Chats

Lions Lowdown

Join the weekly chat about the Detroit Lions at 3 p.m. on Thursday. The rookies (drafted and undrafted) have started to mix with the veterans in the offseason workouts in preparation for the start of OTAs in less than two weeks.

Hi, welcome to today's chat on the Lions. The rookies - the 10 draft picks and dozen undrafted guys - are working out at the facility in Allen Park. They have had a few meetings with the veterans so far. Talked with center Graham Glasgow and safety Miles Killebrew today. Great guys, very personable. Ask any questions you might have about the Lions. Let's have some fun.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:00:35 PM

Which rookie made the biggest impression on you today?

by SFHB5/12/2016 7:00:42 PM

We didn't see them on the field, just had a chance to talk to two of them. I really think Miles Killebrew could become a fan favorite - he's a big-hitting safety. Very tough. Graham Glasgow seems like a nice kid too and said he wants to push Travis Swanson. It's just that a center doesn't make moves that make the crowd notice - unless he screws up.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:02:43 PM

What kind of role do you see Zach Zenner having this season?

by Lee5/12/2016 7:02:45 PM

I think much of that depends on how well Zach does at training camp. Coaches loved him last year and it was unfortunate he fractured some ribs and had to end his season early. He is tough. With no Joique Bell I think he could get more involved in the offense.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:04:03 PM

Can anyone other than Glasgow and Swanson play C? Is there a chance Swanson doesn't make the roster?

by Mike5/12/2016 7:04:09 PM

Those are the two that I know of. Not sure who will win the starting role, but it's certainly good to have competition. The Lions wouldn't have drafted a center in the third round if they were really pleased with Swanson. I think both will be on the 53-man roster because you need a backup. Glasgow said today he's all about hard work and learning the NFL ways, he also said he's going to push Swanson. He wasn't cocky about it, just honest.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:06:02 PM

Hi Paula, this has went on long enough, what is the deal with tully

by randy5/12/2016 7:06:07 PM

I really don't know. We can't get an answer. It's just very odd.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:06:36 PM

Hi Paula, I'm more impressed with the UDFA the Lions signed. A couple could make the team,,,,Lee or Davis at WR.. both over 6'2"... thoughts

by GVWLION5/12/2016 7:08:29 PM

You are right, there's a good crop of undrafted rookies. Baylor WR Jay Lee has 33-inch arms which gives him a big catching radius and yes, he's 6-2. WR Quinshad Davis (N. Carolina) is listed at 6-3. I think these guys will get a chance to compete - doesn't matter that they were not drafted. ... Also like the TE Cole Wick, he's a bit raw and from a small school (Incarnate Word) but he's 6-6 and could be a developmental guy.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:10:40 PM

what difference do you see in Swanson in Glasgow in body build since we have not seen them at all.

by SFHB5/12/2016 7:10:49 PM

It's hard to compare because I haven't seen them side by side. They're virtually the same size - Glasgow listed at 6-6 and 308 while Swanson is 6-5 and 312. I think that's too close to make a huge difference. I think one will need to stand out in camp. I think it'll be based more on technique than size.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:12:53 PM

Do you have a dark horse candidate to make the roster from out of the blue or UDFA?

by Mike5/12/2016 7:13:43 PM

Not sure if he's a darkhorse but I like Chase Farris (Ohio State). He played offensive tackle for the Buckeyes but will move to guard in the NFL since he's just 6-4. Big-time school will help some. We'll see.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:15:05 PM

One reporter indicated the Lions had another QB on the field... #5 with rookies ??

by GVWLION5/12/2016 7:15:19 PM

Yes, they usually have two QBs on the field for rookie camp and often during the spring. They had Jake Rudock and I believe the other one was a tryout guy. They did not give us the names or numbers of those guys - and he's not on the roster with draftees and undrafted free agents. Not unusual to have two out there.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:17:05 PM

What do you think about the trade to add another line backer.

by randy5/12/2016 7:17:15 PM

They could use some depth at the position so it kind of made sense to acquire Jon Bostic. He's from the Patriot so GM Bob Quinn should know him well.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:17:53 PM

Actually the Bostic trade could be significant... over 140 tackles in two years with Bears before switching over to 3-4... Believe he can play all three spots at LB. ?? Any word on him ??

by GVWLION5/12/2016 7:18:20 PM

We haven't had access to Quinn or Jim Caldwell -- or any veteran player - since Bostic was acquired. Haven't seen him work out either. Quinn and Caldwell love versatile players so that could be a key reason they wanted him.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:19:20 PM

I see a few likely vets being cut or traded.. VanNoy, Tully, Fuller, Winn, Robinson, Ola... Any thoughts on trades at end of camp ?? I left the Wright boys off because I'm not sure about them ???

by GVWLION5/12/2016 7:19:42 PM

Well, to trade them the Lions need a team that wants to make a deal. With the exception of Tulloch (and that's a big mystery) I think the rest will be at training camp. Most of them will need a really good camp and preseason to make the 53-man roster. ... They have not given up on Gabe Wright who is just going into his second year. TE Tim Wright has a shot at making the roster.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:22:54 PM

Wick seemed a little LIGHT in weight to be a good blocking TE ??

by GVWLION5/12/2016 7:23:02 PM

He'd have to add some muscle. Not sure on him, just think he might be a guy who they can develop.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:23:43 PM

When will we get some love, i think what was needed on this resm was depth and we by far got that done, we have depth every where it is a much improved roster

by randy5/12/2016 7:23:54 PM

I would agree that the roster is better now than in January. Bob Quinn seems to have done a good job addressing all the needs and adding depth everywhere. The Lions will start getting respect (and love) when they start winning consistently and that includes the postseason.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:24:49 PM

Right and Glasgow and Swanson could be close there. Not sure yet.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:25:13 PM

I think the most important thing for a center is strenth

by randy5/12/2016 7:25:21 PM

Sorry posted answer before question.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:25:34 PM

Tony Z. is from Ogemaw HS, up here. The kid worked in parents restaurant that his mother still owns after the passing of his Dad. Kid works hard and doesn't take breaks. Believe he could be the sleeper in this draft ???

by GVWLION5/12/2016 7:26:02 PM

Anthony Zettel? He could find a home with the Lions. He was the sixth-round pick, a defensive end who played at Penn State. Certainly seems like a tough guy. He also said he grew up as a Lions fan and went to a few games with his dad. Look, all these draft picks including Tony have a chance at making the roster or at least could find a spot on the practice squad. Media talked to him immediately after he was drafted on a conference call and he was quite impressive.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:27:47 PM

Did you happen to see the article by Greg Rosenthal from Nfl.com on is analysis of the Lions this year? it looks like he did not even look at the roster

by SFHB5/12/2016 7:27:53 PM

I saw the comments about it and just didn't have time to click on it. From the comments I saw he didn't have a grasp of the entire roster. ... It's easy to dump on the Lions after a 7-9 season, but there is talent on the roster.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:29:13 PM

I don't understand the disrespect of the rest of the NFL against the Lions

by kedavis410 5/12/2016 7:29:20 PM

I just think it's something that's gone on for years. They need to earn respect and that comes with winning consistently.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:30:12 PM

What position do you anticipate will be the most hotly contested/overcrowded? I think OG

by Mike5/12/2016 7:30:20 PM

That's a good guess. Might be some good competition at strong safety too and I wouldn't count out Miles Killebrew.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:31:21 PM

Gvwlion, we are nieghbors i live in houghton lake

by randy5/12/2016 7:31:25 PM

How interesting. Like I said on the conference call, he seemed like a really nice kid. Media will get to meet him in next few weeks. Love the video of him tackling a tree - check it out on Youtube if you haven't seen it.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:32:17 PM

I think the other QB is (QB Scott Hosch (Harvard)

by shadowman5/12/2016 7:32:24 PM

who do you anticipate being the odd man out at DT?

by Mike5/12/2016 7:32:47 PM

If they keep five DTs I think it will be Robinson, Ngata, Walker, Gabe Wright and Caraun Reid.

by Paula Pasche 5/12/2016 7:34:59 PM

Randy, we're on Secord Lake... and drive down for the games..

by GVWLION5/12/2016 7:35:04 PM

The Lions won't receive that global respect until they become a consistent winner in the league. The issue with that is due to the lack of respect for this franchise they get no respect from the league, the officials or other ranks outside of the organization. So when they aren't shooting themselves in the foot the refs pick up the slack.